The 2026 NBA Draft is set to begin Tuesday night as the league’s next generation of stars prepares to hear their names called at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. All 30 NBA teams will make selections over two nights, with the first round taking place on Tuesday, June 23, followed by the second round on Wednesday, June 24.
Here’s everything fans need to know about how to watch the 2026 NBA Draft, the schedule, projected top picks, and why the event is once again being held over two nights.
How to watch the 2026 NBA Draft
The first round of the 2026 NBA Draft will be broadcast live on ABC, ESPN, and ESPN Deportes. The second round will air exclusively on ESPN and ESPN Deportes.
2026 NBA Draft TV schedule
- Event: 2026 NBA Draft
- Dates: Tuesday, June 23 – Wednesday, June 24, 2026
- Time: 8 p.m. ET (both nights)
- TV (Round 1): ABC, ESPN, ESPN Deportes
- TV (Round 2): ESPN, ESPN Deportes
2026 NBA Draft schedule
The draft will once again be split across two evenings:
- Tuesday, June 23: First Round
- Wednesday, June 24: Second Round
Each of the NBA’s 30 teams will have opportunities to add new talent during the two-round event.
How much time do teams have to make their picks?
NBA teams will have different time limits depending on the round:
- First Round: 5 minutes per selection
- Second Round: 4 minutes per selection
The shorter time limit in the second round helps move the draft along while still allowing teams to finalize trades and selections.
2026 NBA Draft projected top picks
According to NBC Sports draft analyst Raphielle Johnson, the projected top five selections entering draft night are:
- AJ Dybantsa (BYU)
- Darryn Peterson (Kansas)
- Cameron Boozer (Duke)
- Caleb Wilson (North Carolina)
- Darius Acuff Jr. (Arkansas)
While draft projections often change leading up to the event, AJ Dybantsa is widely expected to be the first player selected.
How many rounds are in the NBA Draft?
The NBA Draft consists of two rounds, with 30 selections in each round, giving teams a total of 60 picks.
Why is the NBA Draft held over two nights?
The NBA permanently expanded the draft to a two-night format beginning in 2024.
League officials said the change gives front offices additional time to evaluate trades, organize between rounds, and make second-round decisions. It also provides more television exposure and recognition for players selected on the second night.
Final thoughts
With several highly touted prospects expected to become franchise cornerstones, the 2026 NBA Draft promises to be one of the biggest offseason events on the basketball calendar. Fans can watch both nights beginning at 8 p.m. ET, with the opening round airing on ABC, ESPN, and ESPN Deportes, before the second round concludes the draft on ESPN and ESPN Deportes the following evening.